The Colonial Flow of Trade, Credit, and Information: The Chinese-Arab Clientele System of Van Beek, Reineke and Co. / HVA (1870s–1880s)

Trade has been one of the determining features of Indonesian history. Attention has often focused on the monopolising efforts of the Verenigde Oostindische Compagnie (VOC), which came to be replaced in the nineteenth century by an equally monopolising government and its Cultuurstelsel or Cultivation System (1830-70). However, the economic sector was never devoid of private initiative as exemplified by the development of Batavia. The city offered access to major trade routes and soon after its foundation became a military, economic, and administrative centre. Feeding and housing its growing population required the import of food supplies, building materials, and other items. Private trade was of vital importance in this respect.